Manchester City re-open talks for £50million Everton ace – report

Manchester City have re-opened talks to sign John Stones from Everton, according to a report.

The Daily Mail claim that the Toffees, who rejected a £40million move for their prize defender earlier this month, are now back in negotiations with Pep Guardiola’s side.

The report says that City are now confident of completing a £50million move for the 22-year-old, in a deal that will see Stones become the most expensive defender in footballing history.

Chelsea made three bids for Stones last summer of up to £35million, but new City boss Guardiola has earmarked the youngster as a key part of his revolution and is willing to meet the Goodison Park club’s demands.

The centre-back still has three years left on his current deal after joining from Barnsley in the 2013 January transfer window for £2million.

Stones has shown flashes of potential throughout a tumultuous season for Everton, playing in 41 games in all competitions, but he did not figure for England at Euro 2016 after being omitted in favour of Chris Smalling and Gary Cahill.

Toffees fans will hope Everton move to sign a replacement if he does go, as it would leave just two experienced central defenders at the club, Phil Jagielka and Ramiro Funes Mori.